Download our retirement housing checklist

Download our retirement housing checklist >

You can download this checklist and use it when you visit a home. It doesn’t cover everything and you don’t have to answer all the questions. It's designed to help you remember what you want to ask and to write down your thoughts.

If you're looking at retirement housing for a relative, try to put yourself in their shoes and think about what would make a good home for them.

A lot depends on what you can afford, and what care you need – now and in the future. For example, extra care housing offers more support than sheltered housing. You should also pay attention to what matters most to you. You will probably want to know:

• how you will settle in
• whether it will feel like home
• what will happen if your circumstances change.

It’s a good idea to draw up a list of things that are important to you and how you want to live and divide it into what is a necessity and what you would like to have.

You may be worried about losing control or independence, and you may have to make some compromises. But the clearer you are about your needs when you start looking at retirement housing, the more likely it is that you will find one that meets your needs.

There are some things you can find out before you go, such as:

• the names of the manager and key staff
• fees and additional costs
• if they have places available
• their housing regulator rating.

There will be a lot to take in when you visit, which is why it’s a good idea to have a checklist. If you can, try to go with a friend or family member. They can offer you moral support, make notes and give you a second opinion.

The sort of things you will be considering include:

• the location and facilities
• your living area
• social activities and entertainment
• the staff
• whether they can cater for any special requirements, both now and in the future, such as dementia care.

Practicalities

If you like the home, you will want to find out more about:

• fees
• any extra costs – for example, for services such as hairdressing or chiropody
• insurance
• contracts
• complaints procedures.

What if you forget something?

Don’t be afraid to call and ask follow-up questions. You could even drop in unannounced. A good scheme will welcome you and be prepared to answer all your questions.

Download our retirement housing checklist >